Himachal Dy CM Advocates for a Scientific and Long-Term Strategy for Water Security
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Synopsis
During the All India State Water Ministers' Conference, Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri, stressed the importance of adopting a long-term scientific approach to water security in light of diminishing water sources due to climate change. He proposed innovative solutions and policies tailored for hill states.
Key Takeaways
- A long-term and scientific method is crucial for water security.
- Innovative solutions are needed for sustainable water management.
- Himalayan glaciers are melting rapidly, affecting water availability.
- Special policies for hill states must be formulated.
- Rainwater harvesting and existing source restoration should be encouraged.
Udaipur (Rajasthan), Feb 18 (NationPress) Highlighting the issue of diminishing water levels due to untimely rains and reduced snowfall, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday called for a long-term scientific approach to ensure water security.
During his address at the second All India State Water Ministers’ Conference, he underscored the importance of securing water resources.
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, Agnihotri advocated for innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability of water management practices.
On the inaugural day of the two-day conference, he stated that a dedicated policy should be formulated for hill states to tackle the impacts of climate change.
Referencing scientific research, he mentioned that Himalayan glaciers are rapidly melting, which is causing unpredictability in river flow and exacerbating the water crisis.
“This situation is severely affecting drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation,” he emphasized, calling for the implementation of climate-resilient policies and advanced scientific measures.
“We must reassess our approaches. It is essential to incorporate modern technologies, innovations, and alternatives while also preserving traditional water sources,” Agnihotri, who oversees the Irrigation and Public Health Department, stated.
He noted that 65 percent of Himachal Pradesh is forested, which is managed by the Central government.
“This restricts land availability for development initiatives. Himachal Pradesh plays a significant role in water conservation, environmental protection, and ecological balance through forest conservation.
“In exchange, the Centre should provide a targeted package for Himachal, tailored to the unique geographical and challenging conditions of the hilly regions,” Agnihotri proposed.
He reaffirmed the state's commitment to environmental stewardship and urged for policy adjustments and special development incentives to maintain a balance between environmental and infrastructure growth.
He mentioned that while the government has ensured tap water access for every household, the future challenges posed by water scarcity due to climate change could complicate this achievement.
“To combat water shortages, we must promote rainwater harvesting and the restoration of existing water sources, for which special central support should be allocated to the hill states,” Agnihotri noted.
He requested ₹2,000 crore to finalize 1,000 drinking water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He suggested establishing a dedicated funding channel for mountain states to develop anti-freeze water supply systems, including insulated pipelines, heated tap installations, and solar-powered pumps, to ensure a consistent water supply year-round in the tribal and colder regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba.
Agnihotri also sought financial support from the Central government for a comprehensive project aimed at snow and water conservation, estimated at ₹1,269.29 crore, along with initiatives for “recharging groundwater” through the revitalization of approximately 2,000 abandoned hand pumps and tube wells.
